Thai government details three measures to combat new forms of crime
Measures target trade in Thai nationality, fraudulent claims to Thai status, nominee businesses, illegal firearms and drugs, with agencies linking data and personnel.
- The government will close loopholes in the civil registration system to prevent the fraudulent buying and selling of Thai nationality.
- Authorities will regulate businesses more strictly, cracking down on illegal "nominee" businesses, particularly in tourist areas.
- A crackdown on illegal firearms and narcotics will be implemented, focusing on source control, stricter licensing, and inspections.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a press conference titled “Suppression of New Forms of Crime by Administrative Officials in Cooperation with Partner Networks” at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House.
Senior officials from relevant agencies, including the Department of Provincial Administration, the Royal Thai Police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), joined him to report on progress.
The government and participating agencies used the briefing to declare themselves clear enemies of transnational criminal groups and illegal businesses.
The government stressed integrated operations, linking data and personnel so action could be taken more swiftly.
It set out three key measures:
- Closing loopholes in the civil registration system: Stopping the buying and selling of Thai nationality and fraudulent claims to Thai status, while expanding investigations into financial trails and those behind the offences.
- Regulating businesses and cracking down on nominee businesses: Taking decisive action against those who break the law, particularly in tourist areas, while addressing delays in approval and licensing procedures to make the process easier for legitimate operators.
- Tackling illegal firearms and narcotics: Controls would begin at source and cover licence issuance, inspections of shops and shooting ranges, and the establishment of checkpoints and interception points in local areas.
Anutin said operations must be guided by the principle “Set names aside, focus on conduct”. Conduct and evidence should be the primary considerations, regardless of an offender’s influence or seniority. Any state official found to be involved would face decisive legal action without exception.
A further key objective was to use technology to trace criminal activity back to its source, pursue legal action as quickly as possible, and track, seize and freeze assets.
The assets would then be auctioned, with the proceeds distributed among members of the public who had been defrauded rather than treated solely as state revenue.
This was intended to restore justice and safeguard people’s lives and property.
